Tanzanian singer and songwriter Alikiba also known as King Kiba is a highly sought after musician currently signed on to Sony Music Entertainment. Respected by fans for his immense successes both locally and internationally, Alikiba has over the last few years received significant accolades, most recently being awarded at the MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Artist of the Year. Others include The Sound City MVP Awards in Nigeria and Peoples Choice Award for Male Artist of the Year – all in 2016. He is also the first East African artiste to be featured by leading global Hip-Hop mag authority THE SOURCE and Huffington Post. Alikiba returns on Coke Studio Africa for the second time in 2017 to collaborate with Nigerian superstar Patoranking.

RISING UP THE CHARTS

When it comes to radio play and sales charts, Alikiba’s statistics have been unrivaled by many over the past few years. Every single he has released since his debut has consistently charted at No. 1 setting a record for the longest tenure at No. 1 on the streaming service Deezer’s charts. Alikiba’s smash hit Mwana has also broken all download records on East African download service Mkito. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 Alikiba was the overall ‘Most Downloaded Artist’ from Tanzania.

WHEN INSPIRATION MEETS PASSION

Alikiba cites Usher Raymond as one of his biggest influences. TheKing is renowned for consistently selling out major live shows, stadium concerts and events. He has headlined for the Fiesta Fesitval across six regions in Tanzania and at the Koroga Festival in Kenya. Besides music, King Kiba is passionate about the environment and in 2015, was selected as one of WILDAID’s Global Ambassadors in its campaign to save the elephants alongside other global superstars such as Lupita Ny’ongo, David Beckham, Leonardo Dicaprio, Sir Richard Branson, Jackie Chan, Prince William of the United Kingdom, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. They all attended a high profile fundraiser event in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles where they successfully raised over $5 million towards the cause. Alikiba has also confirmed a partnership with globally renowned United Kingdom based celebrity Chef, Jamie Oliver, in becoming the face of and ambassador for Jamie’s ‘Champion for Food Revolution’ in Tanzania.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

After completing High School in 2004, Alikiba wrote his first song Maria and continued releasing singles thereafter. Some of them include Najuwa, Ndugu Wangu, Kuteseka, Namshukuru Mungu, Sabrina, Yatima and many more. His albums include “Cinderella” (2008) and “Ali K for Real” (2009), and he has announced that he will release a new album by the end of 2017.

Former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete has honoured Alikiba for his invaluable contribution to Tanzanian music, arts and culture. Alikiba has made history by being the first East African artiste to roll out a full National Tour in Tanzania. The hugely successful tour covered all regions across Tanzania with shows completely sold out in each venue.